Dreamer
for brief mild language.
Reviewed by: Keith Howland
CONTRIBUTOR
| Moral Rating: | Good |
| Moviemaking Quality: |
|
| Primary Audience: | Family Kids Adults |
| Genre: | Drama |
| Length: | 1 hr. 45 min. |
| Year of Release: | 2005 |
| USA Release: |
October 21, 2005 (wide—1,800 US theaters) |
| Featuring | Kurt Russell, Dakota Fanning, Freddy Rodriguez, Kris Kristofferson, Elisabeth Shue |
| Director |
John Gatins |
| Producer | Michael Tollin, Brian Robbins, E.K. Gaylord II |
| Distributor |
Ben Crane (Kurt Russell) and his wife Lily (Elisabeth Shue) are struggling financially. Ben has a strained relationship with his father (Kris Kristofferson) and an underdeveloped one with his only daughter, Cale (Dakota Fanning). He never had the chance to own and race his own horses, as he dreamt of doing as a child. Now his job is to ensure the wellness of racehorses for their wealthy owner.
When a horse named Sonador (played by Sacrifice) breaks her leg in a race, Ben refuses to have her put down, but instead brings her home. He loses his job, so he occupies himself with restoring Sonador to health. He is pragmatic in his hopes of making money from the wounded mare, but Cale has big dreams. Her dream is that Sonador, whose name is Spanish for “Dreamer,” will run again-and win.
The outcome of this film will not surprise anyone. But that does not matter. What matters is that it ends the way you want it to. It is told with such unblushing conviction (and with such gorgeous horses and scenery), that its intended audience should be satisfied. This is not a film for the cynical; it is a film for all who believe in long shots and second chances—and who doesn’t?
This film is refreshingly inoffensive. Its few mild profanities can be counted on one hand, and the pivotal horse injury is not graphic. Parents need not fear taking their children, although perhaps the pace of the film is best suited for children of about ten and older. (Cale is the character with whom the viewer is meant to relate, and she is about ten or eleven.)
Another refreshing aspect of the film is its meaningful themes, which include working together as a family and encouraging others to pursue their interests by using their abilities. Perhaps most central to the film, however, is the value of doing something for someone else above the pursuit of personal gain. Jesus said, “It is more blessed to give than to receive” (Acts 20:35), and “Dreamer” is evidence of that great dictum.
Violence: None / Profanity: Minor / Sex/Nudity: None
3½
If I had to summarize the theme of the movie in one word, it would be hope. Throughout the film, I was reminded of the saying, “If you think you can or think you cannot; you’re right.” You have to believe—believe that you can win, believe in yourself, believe in others. I honestly believe you could use this film to illustrate the power of optimistic thought and faith.
This movie is great for all ages. Children under 10 might be affected by some sadness and trauma surrounding the horse’s breakdown, but since the horse is NOT euthanized, it should be okay. Rarely these days do you find a movie where people in the theater spontaneously erupt into applause—it happened in the screening I attended, not just at the end of the movie, but during it as well. The movie will make you cry, make you laugh, and make you cry again, with tears of joy. One of the better sports movies I’ve seen. One final note—Dakota Fanning steals the show, again. She has the potential to be the next Jodie Foster or Shirley Temple. Go see the film. You won’t be disappointed.
Excellent! / 4
Excellent! / 5
Excellent! / 5
This movie is a keeper. The acting is awesome. I want to watch it again. I believe you and your entire family will enjoy the whole 2 hours together. Let’s encourage Hollywood to make more movies like this one!
Excellent! / 5
Good / 4½
Good / 4½
Good / 4
Excellent! / 5
Good / 4½
Better than Average / 5
My Ratings: Good / 4